Photographer's Note

On the Bells Line of Road, near Bilpin, in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. The exact location is actually Kurrajong Heights.

This was taken 25 years ago, when I was living in Australia. We were returning home to Newcastle from a few days in the Blue Mountains, when I saw the rusting remains of this old truck and thought that it might make a decent snap. Today, preparing to upload this image, I went for a virtual drive with the Little Yellow Man on Google Maps along Bells Line of Road, and - yes, you've guessed it - found the very same truck still rusting quietly away. It seemed to be in a slightly different place, away from trees, but undoubtedly the same vehicle. If you care to check out the Map View in the Photo Information box, and take the Little Yellow Man down onto the location, you will see my old lorry... Weird it's still there, and weirder still that I remembered where it was!

Hello Will, a good low point of view. Excellent sharp image throughout. The sunlight has enhanced the colours, and the rusty hues look great against the natural background.
An interesting note; I guess that the climate has helped to preserve the truck?
Regards Jean.

Yes, Craig will indeed love this old rusting lorry - or truck, as he would call it. I love it too - it certainly makes brilliant camera fodder though I'd also be happy to explore it with a set of spanners and a welding torch - a perfect restoration project for someone with a couple of years to spare.

How remarkable that you were able to remember the location after a quarter century and even more remarkable that it appears hardly to have moved and also to be pretty much in the same condition as when you caught it. Google's little yellow man gives us an excellent view of it.

But what is perhaps even more remarkable is the quality of this image which is testament not only to your original photographic skills but also to the quality of your film, scanner and your own scanning and processing work - the quality really is stunning.

A fine oblique composition too and, despite the obviously strong sunlight, we can still see full details in the deepest shadows and also in the very brightest parts.

hello Will, Nice gift for Craig, I am sure he will be delighted. I didn't know that you used to live in Australia. What fantastic quality after 25 years, excellent composition, fine colours, splendid sharpness. How strange that you can still see it in Google. Later I will check the map :). I was in Blue Mountains but not in Bilpin.

Hello Will,
It's strange that this monster has been left in nature for decades, unless it has actually been categorized as public art. I am impressed by the quality of the scan, and I had to look carefully to find traces of noise in the patches of sky. That's the only indication this is not a recent digital photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi Will,abandoned things are a must in these days after the start of theme by Craig...ehehe..and this is a beautiful example,old pic but scannered so well that seems do yestaerday,an example of rust art caught in a great way,i like the scenery too and the bright colors. Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

Hi Will,
Quite wonderful old truck wreck showing rusty tones which fit well with dryish terrain. Close and wide angle is excellent. And quality of the scan flawless. Tyre pattern is quite peculiar. I don't think I've seen such before.
Kari

Hi Will
yes, indeed i like this! what a pleasant surprise to see this rustic beauty, and thats exactly what this is. Not sure why people are so against such subjects. Just like an abandoned home, this truck has great appeal and a mysterious past.
love that you captured it so close up too. and the fact its still there 25 years later is amazing! thanks again!
cheers
Craig